Malaga

For the serious yachting enthusiast this is the ideal place to start exploring the Costa del Sol. The bay of Andalusia in which Malaga nestles is one of the safest harbours capable of giving safe anchorage to the largest of luxury yachts. Even the Queen Mary II is known to have anchored here.

The archaeological history of Malaga is unique in that findings to the east of the city at Zafanaya have revealed that this site was even known to Neanderthal man. Malaga as a port of call appears to have been founded by the Phoenicians in around 770 BC. They named the port "Malaka" hence the name has changed little over the years. After the Phoenician era, the Greeks held control of the city until the Carthaginians defeated them and held sway until 206 BC. The "Punic Wars" saw the defeat of the Hannibal by the Romans who called the area around the port "Flavia Malacite." They built roads to connect other Roman ports, villas and an amphitheatre some of which has been excavated in 1951. After the Roman Empire broke up, the Arabs invaded the area and during the 13th Century they converted Malaga into an inner fortress that was surrounded by high walls and five ornate defensive gates. Some of this remains today and is well worth a guided tour to appreciate the reason for Malaga having such a mixed architectural history. In 1487 the Arab control was surrendered to the catholic Kings and in the 16th and 17th Centuries the harbour was extended twice, the massive cathedral erected but not completed until the 18th Century giving the cathedral and bell-tower a mixed Renaissance-baroque structure. The 20th Century has proven to be a prosperous one for the town with its multitude of museums, restaurants, hotels and a local airport. Good planning has ensured that the old town is separated from its growing industrial suburbs and that Malaga is now the 8th largest European city on the Mediterranean.

Malaga's esplanade and shopping malls are very attractive and for a relaxing stroll the Malaga Park that stretches parallel to Guadiaro Quay has two walking pathways one on the north side and two on the south side. If time ashore is not a problem then the Picasso museum and its near neighbour the Contemporary Art Centre are both worth a visit. They are both a few minutes walk from the Hotel Malaga a 4- star luxury hotel on the seafront. The Malaga cathedral, though closed to the public on Sundays and Holidays, has the highest tower in the city and thus very easy to find. The fact that such a tall structure has survived an earthquake and various minor wars is something of a miracle.

As for the best times to sail into the Bay of Andalusia, it is worth remembering that Malaga has three major festivals that can be its busiest time of the year. The Arts Festivals all happen in October when the whole month is dedicated to celebrating Picasso's works in the Plaza Marina. There are also five exhibition halls that feature local artists. At Easter the Holy Week (Semana Santa) Festival, that has a more quiet and contemplative atmosphere, still has plenty of colour to the floats and plenty of music. The third festival of importance is the Malaga Fair. During this event symbols of Spanish culture take pride of place. There are again parades processing round the streets and monuments, live Flamenco shows and a emphasis on Spanish and local music.